In the first example, it is illegal for the pitcher to take signs from the catcher when not engaged with the pitcher’s plate. This is a balk. There is, however, no balk simply for throwing to a base from behind the pitcher’s plate. It is an important distinction because, as a “fielder,” a ball thrown out of play would be a two base award. If the pitcher were engaged with the pitcher’s plate when he threw out of play, the award would only be one base.
In the second example, I see this a lot. It is difficult for the plate umpire to see this, but it is legal as long as pitcher has the ball, and the team is not trying a hidden ball trick. If the pitcher took the same stance without the ball, it would be a balk.
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